Manchester United Tracking Arsenal Target Julian Draxler

Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to watch Arsenal target Julian Draxler, who currently plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga.

According to the Express, the Red Devils have sent scouts to various Schalke games this season to prepare a dossier on the German international, who has been a summer target for various clubs.

Arsenal were ardent admirers of the German midfielder with Arsene Wenger keen to snap him up during the 2014 January transfer window. It was believed that the Schalke player's £36m release clause was the cause for the transfer to collapse.

However, with United also stepping up their interest in the player, a bidding war could ensue either in January or during next summer's transfer window.

Apart from Draxler, the Old Trafford club have also been monitoring Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes, a defender who can play at any position in the back four.

This ability has attracted the interest of Louis van Gaal, who is interested in signing the defender and could land him for a fee of around £14m.

Meanwhile, United youngster Tyler Blackett has admitted that it is a dream come true to play for the Old Trafford club. The Defender, who has spent his entire career with the club, coming up through the youth ranks reveals that there is added incentive to do well since he is a 'local lad'.

"It means everything to me. I was brought up here in Manchester and playing now for United is like a dream come true. Hopefully, I'll continue to do my best for the club," Blackett told United's official site.

"Being a local lad, there's no extra pressure but it's something I thrive on. As one of the more local lads, I know what this club means. Don't get me wrong, the foreign players know Manchester United as well but being a local lad gives you extra incentive to do well."

"You know the history and which players have come through with my being here all through the ranks. I know what it means to me and my family as well," the United defender added.